After decay is removed from a
tooth, something must be placed in that space to give strength
back to the tooth.

Fillings: Fillings are the most common restorative
procedure.

Inlays and onlays: In addition to fillings, lab fabricated
inlays and onlays are sometimes used. Although many patients
think of these as fillings as well, they are actually different
since they are laboratory fabricated.

White
fillings: White fillings are used almost all of the time
in our office. They are an attractive, durable alternative
to silver (amalgam) fillings. White fillings are made of a
strong composite resin that is matched to the surrounding
tooth color. In the past, white fillings were placed only
on front teeth, but recently a stronger more durable material
has been developed that can withstand the chewing pressure
of back teeth.

Silver
(amalgam) fillings: Although white composite resin fillings
are used almost exclusively by our office, there may be unique
circumstances that call for a silver (amalgam) filling. Typically,
silver fillings are placed on back teeth (molars).

White
Porcelain inlay or onlay: A porcelain inlay or onlay is
used when the cavity is too big
for a filling, but isn't so big that a crown
is required. An inlay is a filling within the cusp tips of
the tooth. Onlays (also known as overlays) will overlay one
or more cusps in order to protect and strengthen the tooth.